Earmuffs
Earmuffs are objects designed to cover a person's ears for protection. They consist of a thermoplastic or metal head-band, that fits over the top of the head, and a pad at each end, to cover the external ears. They come in two basic kinds:
- Thermal earmuffs: the original type, worn in winter to keep a person's ears warm. They were invented by Maine resident Chester Greenwood.
- Acoustic earmuffs: are cups lined with sound-deadening material, like thermal earmuffs and headphones in appearance, which are worn as hearing protection. These may be carried on a head-band or clipped onto the sides of a hard hat, for use on construction sites.
Earmuffs or muffs is a name sometimes, lightly given to headphones.